First Baptist Church of Glenarden - First Baptist Church of Glenarden - In the Newshttp://fbcglenarden.org
Sun, 02 Aug 2015 18:24:24 -0400Joomla! - Open Source Content Managementen-gbPlans for FBCG Family Life Center moving along [VIDEO]http://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/570-plans-for-fbcg-family-life-center-moving-along.html
http://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/570-plans-for-fbcg-family-life-center-moving-along.htmlDesign for the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Family Life Center – a multi-use facility measuring 63,200 square feet – has been completed and submitted to Prince George’s County for permit review.

The contemporary structure will provide three full basketball courts, along with a multi-functional stage, adjacent practice rooms and a walking track overhead. Like the Empowerment Center, the Family Life Center will be equipped with state-of-the-art heating/cooling systems, energy-efficient LED lighting and technology enhancements.

Preliminary discussions with contractors are underway and construction is expected to begin within the second quarter of 2015.]]>mtheto [AT] cgeniuses [DOT] com (Super User)In the NewsThu, 19 Feb 2015 16:11:56 -0500For local playwright Christmas production is an extension of his police beathttp://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/555-for-local-playwright-christmas-production-is-an-extension-of-his-police-beat.html
http://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/555-for-local-playwright-christmas-production-is-an-extension-of-his-police-beat.htmlThe Christmas story took an urban jazzy twist Saturday night at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden during a musical production titled “The Uncut Coming of Christ,” where the story of the birth of the Christ child was set on the “mean streets” of a big city.

From Joseph arguing with Mary about her sudden pregnancy, to the seedy hotel district where Jesus was born, the production was the vision of writer/director Joshua Jenkins, whose production was inspired by his work as a Prince George’s County police officer. Read More]]>mtheto [AT] cgeniuses [DOT] com (Super User)In the NewsTue, 23 Dec 2014 12:13:37 -0500Visiting minister urges unity among Christianshttp://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/554-visiting-minister-urges-unity-among-christians.html
http://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/554-visiting-minister-urges-unity-among-christians.htmlSALT LAKE CITY — In order to accomplish great things, all people and perspectives are needed, a visiting pastor told local evangelical leaders."Unity does not mean uniformity. It does not mean that we all have to be the same. It does mean that we all need to be headed in the same direction," said the Rev. John Jenkins of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Maryland. Read More]]>mtheto [AT] cgeniuses [DOT] com (Super User)In the NewsTue, 23 Dec 2014 12:04:10 -0500Where We Worship: First Baptist Church of Glenarden:http://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/431-where-we-worship-first-baptist-church-of-glenarden.html
http://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/431-where-we-worship-first-baptist-church-of-glenarden.htmlA hush fell over the more than 2,000 parishioners at First Baptist Church of Glenarden as Nick Vujicic was lifted onto a table to preach during a recent 8 a.m. service.

The 29-year-old evangelist, based in California, was born without arms or legs because of a rare affliction called tetra-amelia syndrome.

“It was difficult as a child getting teased and bullied, feeling like I was the only one in pain,” Vujicic said, sharing a message about perseverance in the face of severe obstacles. “By the grace of God, I have a lot of people praying for me, loving me and caring for me.” Read More]]>mtheto [AT] cgeniuses [DOT] com (Super User)In the NewsFri, 27 Jun 2014 00:00:00 -0400Longtime Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis among Mighty Men of Valor speakers in Glenardenhttp://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/430-baltimore-raven-ray-lewis-among-mighty-men-of-valor-speakers.html
http://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/430-baltimore-raven-ray-lewis-among-mighty-men-of-valor-speakers.htmlFor years, Roger Leonard served as a “corner man” for his brother, boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard. During his brother’s bouts, Leonard helped with advice and strategy from the sideline so the legendary boxer could become the icon he is today.

On Friday evening, Leonard symbolically reprised his role as “corner man” in a boxing ring set up at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, where he was part of a dramatized sparring session to show that Christian men often need someone to keep them from being “blinded by the Devil” in the match of life. Read More]]>mtheto [AT] cgeniuses [DOT] com (Super User)In the NewsSun, 29 Jun 2014 21:06:14 -0400American Idol’s Ruben Studdard preaches gospel of good healthhttp://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/429-american-idol-s-ruben-studdard-preaches-gospel-of-good-health.html
http://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/429-american-idol-s-ruben-studdard-preaches-gospel-of-good-health.htmlSporting a 100-pound lighter frame, “American Idol” veteran Ruben Studdard came with words of encouragement instead of music to the 21st Annual Health and Fitness Expo at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden on Saturday.

While Studdard offered a few bars of “Amazing Grace,” the R&B singer and realty TV star spent most of his time talking about his struggle to lose weight and his new life.

Studdard joined doctors, dentists, and a range of health care providers at the Upper Marlboro church. He along with a nutritionist, physical fitness expert and an energetic cook were on hand to show several thousand people that they can live a healthy lifestyle. Read More]]>mtheto [AT] cgeniuses [DOT] com (Super User)In the NewsFri, 27 Jun 2014 00:00:00 -0400Upper Marlboro health expo helps Prince George’s County residents adopt healthy lifestyleshttp://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/428-upper-marlboro-health-expo-helps-prince-george-s-county-residents-adopt-healthy-lifestyles.html
http://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/428-upper-marlboro-health-expo-helps-prince-george-s-county-residents-adopt-healthy-lifestyles.htmlUpper Marlboro church offers free health screenings, demonstrations, activities

Every Sunday, parishioners and passerby who visit the First Baptist Church of Glenarden can seek first aid at the church’s clinic, but the entire worship center became a hub for health education Saturday during the church’s 21st annual health expo.

More than 2,000 people attended this year’s expo, which featured more than 80 workshops, demonstrations, and health screenings as well as a keynote address from Ruben Studdard, American Idol winner and Biggest Loser contestant.]]>mtheto [AT] cgeniuses [DOT] com (Super User)In the NewsFri, 27 Jun 2014 00:00:00 -0400Prince George’s churches merge youth ministries for high-energy worshiphttp://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/41-prince-george’s-churches-merge-youth-ministries-for-high-energy-worship.html
http://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/41-prince-george’s-churches-merge-youth-ministries-for-high-energy-worship.htmlThe moment the First Baptist Church of Glenarden opened its doors Friday night, nearly 3,000 teenagers rushed inside for a high-octane worship service.

Inside the Upper Marlboro mega-church, a large digital clock was at four minutes and counting down. When the numbers reached zero, the Christian go-go band Vertical exploded into view. Hundreds rushed the stage and the sanctuary was filled with spiritual music.

“Let’s salute the living Christ who rose on the third day,” the lead singer told the crowd. “Where you go, I go. What you say, I say. What you do, I do. What you pray, I pray.”

The beat and rhythm had the young people on their feet during the two-hour worship service that was part of Merge 2011, a joint ministry started by First Baptist and Zion Church of Landover.

The ministry included music and poetry. Actors presented a story of Jesus rescuing a young woman from a gang. Pizza and frozen treats were offered.

“I prefer to go to this instead of church,” said Antonio Nixon, 16, as he operated a remote ceiling camera in a control room filled with broadcast technicians and other operators. Nixon, a member of First Baptist from Bowie, said he was baptized last year.

The Rev. Bill Staton, the youth minister at First Baptist, preached from the book of Daniel about the story of the three Hebrews who were thrown into a fiery furnace because they said they would serve only God.

“When you are different you will always be called out,” Staton told the young people. “We have got to come to a point where we can’t bow down to everything.”

As Staton preached, the Rev. John K. Jenkins, pastor of First Baptist Church, and the Rev. Keith Battle, pastor of Zion, listened from one of the back rows. Jenkins said the decision to merge the churches’ youth ministries came after he noticed the work that Battle was doing.

“They don’t have a facility. They are a homeless ministry and yet they are serving hundreds of kids,” Jenkins said. “We decided to take the resources of both ministries and put it together. There is no shame in our game. We can learn from what Pastor Battle is doing.”

More than 6,000 youths have come out for Merge 2011 since it began last month, and Jenkins and Battle said the worship services have surpassed their expectations.

“It is not about Zion Church or First Baptist Church of Glenarden. It is about helping kids to reach their potential,” said Battle, who is known nationally for his work with young people.

The youths split into small groups (college, high school and middle school) to help one another work through their problems, Jenkins said.

“The smaller groups is where the kids get the chance to really interact with adults who love them and where they can talk about what they are going through,” Jenkins said. “When it all boils down to it, we are disciplining our young people and teaching them how to live their lives.”

Jennae Elizabeth Nance, a youth leader at Zion, said Merge 2011 shows that a person can be cool and serve the Lord at the same time. “I just hope that young ladies will be able to model their lives after Christ, and look for that model in their peers and the people they associate themselves with,” she said.

In addition to events at the church, Jenkins said, in the coming months young people will be going out into the community to serve others. “This culture drives home ‘me, me, me,’ but kids really need to learn about giving back to the community.”

]]>mtheto [AT] cgeniuses [DOT] com (Super User)In the NewsMon, 17 Dec 2012 06:40:32 -0500Ministering to more than the soulhttp://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/40-ministering-to-more-than-the-soul.html
http://fbcglenarden.org/inside-fbcg/in-the-news/item/40-ministering-to-more-than-the-soul.htmlThe members of First Baptist Church of Glenarden worship in four shifts on Sundays. As soon as one service is over, there is a steady stream of people filing into the cavernous sanctuary for the next.

At a recent 8 a.m. service, a hush fell over the more than 2,000 parishioners as Nick Vujicic was lifted atop a table to preach.

The 30-year-old evangelist was born without limbs because of a rare affliction called Tetra-Amelia syndrome. His message was a mix of humor and perseverance in the face of severe obstacles.

“It was difficult as a child getting teased and bullied, feeling like I was the only one in pain,” Vujicic said. “By the grace of God, I have a lot of people praying for me, loving me and caring for me until one day I read John 9, about a man who was born blind. I said God, if you plan for a blind man, you got to have a plan for me.”

During midweek service, Serita Jakes, wife of Bishop T.D. Jakes, was part of a forum with the church’s first lady, Trina Jenkins, that dealt with “Post Traumatic Stress,” and her new book “The Crossing,” which attempts to deal with a unspoken problem in many churches today.

“In the church arena, we have been concentrating so much on the soul until we have not dealt enough with the inner man,” Jakes said. “After sitting across the table from moms with their children, young women who have been raped and people who have gone through traumatic experiences, I realized that the subject matter has been creeping into our churches and into our choir stands.”

Pastor John K. Jenkins doesn’t mind relinquishing his pulpit to allow guests to speak to his 10,000 member flock.

“The kingdom of God is so diverse, so many, so broad, that we want to give exposure to as many people as possible and to a variety of things that God is doing,” Jenkins said. “We want people to know that everybody has a place in God’s Kingdom.”

In addition to inviting various people to preach at the church this summer, First Baptist joined forces with Zion Church of to launch a joint youth ministry called Merge 2011. On the first and third Friday of the each month, more than 2,000 teenagers and young adults hold services including spiritual hip hop bands and dramatic productions.

“The smaller groups is where the kids get the chance to really interact with adults who love them and where they can talk about what they are going through.” Jenkins said. “When it all boils down to it, we are disciplining our young people and teaching them how to live their lives.”

First Baptist has more than 100 ministries and weekly activities that are organized under seven major departments including family and children, music and arts and education. The church’s “Helps” department writes to prisoners, sends flowers and provides transportation. There are courses on Bible study, financial freedom and foreign languages.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, he said that he wanted to die by the age of 10 because so many children in his school picked on him. Now, he is the author several books, including “Life Without Limbs.” He has spoken to millions in 42 countries across five continents.

“I used to focus on arms and legs but I realized that I need forgiveness. I need peace. I need purpose even more than arms and legs,” Vujicic said.“I always heard about the love of God but I doubted if that was true.”

Vujicic said he has learned that it doesn’t matter how far you fall in life. “All you need to know,” he said, “is that God will catch you.”